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W. H. BRAGY.

WATCH WINDING DEVICE. No. 189,600. Patented April 17, 1877;

WITN'EEEES INVENTU fw/ MW. firm 7 W UNITED STATES Enron.

WILLIAM H. BRAOY, OF BOSTON, MASSAGHUSETTS.

IMPRGVEMENT 1N WATQH-WlidDiF-QG DEVlCES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 189,600, dated April 17, 1877 application filed February 24, 1877.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, WILLIAM H. BRACY, of Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvementin Watch-Winding Attachment, of which the following is a specification:

The object of my invention is to provide a means for winding a watch by a device which of itself forms a portion of the watch, and dispenses with the necessity of a separate key.

In carrying out my invention I first make a circular opening in the cap over the drum that contains the mainspring, and in this opening is fitted a thin circular plate, provided on its under side with a central pro jecting socket, that fits upon the square arbor attached to the barrel that carries the mainspring, and having on its upper side a hinged thumb-piece, by-ineans of which the device is rotated, and which is capable of being tolded or turned down to either side, so as to lie flat on the circular plate without interfering with the outer casing when closed.

A spring on the under side serves to keep the thumb-piece in an elevated position, and prevent its falling on either side when the device is in use for winding the watch.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 represents a watch open on the back, and showing my device as applied. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the winding device. Fig. 3is a vertical section of the same, and Fig. 4 is a view of its under side.

A represents the cap or inner casing in the back of the watch. In the portion of the cap just over the barrel that carries the mainspring is a circular opening, in which is fitted snugly, but so as to turn freely, a circular plate, B. On the under side of the center of the plate B is a projecting tube, I, provided with a square opening in its end, that fits upon the winding-square by which the watch is Wound.

To the upper side of plate B is jointed or hinged the thumbpiece 0, consisting of a thin metal plate, which can be folded down at either side on the plate B when the case is closed, and when in use to wind the watch the thumb-piece G is at right angles with the circular plate B, 'so as to be easily held between the thumb aud forefinger.

In order to maintain the thumb-piece O in an elevated position when the watch is being wound up, I attach to the under side of the plate B, on a line with the thumb-piece U, a spring, E, Fig. 4, the ends of which pass up through slots in the plate B, so as to bear on each side against the flattened under side of the joint of the thumb-piece U with sutiicieut force to hold the thumb-piece at right angles with the plate B when the winder is in use. The spring also serves to hold the thumbpiece down when folded on either side. A slight projection, b, on the center of the top of the thumb-piece 0 enables it to be readily opened by the fingernail.

In Fig. 3 the winding device is shown as applied to the winding square or arbor, by which the watch is wound.

The winding device, as above described, can be readily adapted to watches now in use or already finished without interfering with the works or with the casing when closed; and although forming a portion of the watch, the device can be easily taken out and used for turning the hands, as at F, Fig. 1, like an ordinary watch-key.

The form of the thumb-piece C and its connection with a holding-spring can be modified as taste or convenience may suggest.

It is designed that the plate B shall he so fitted as to prevent the entrance of dust; but if this should not be effectual a dust-rim may be attached to the winder or to the cap, if desired.

WVhat I claim as my invention is I. As a new article of manufacture, a detachable winding device, consisting of a base, a pipe secured thereto, and a thumb-piece pivoted thereon, all arranged and adapted to be applied to the arbor, and contained and folded beneath the outer case of a watch, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination, with the thiunbpiece O and plate B, of a spring, E. substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WM. H. BRACY.

Witnesses:

J. H. ADAMS, THOMAS MoALooN. 

